Safety Patrol

Safety Patrol

The Whittier Elementary Safety Patrol is a group of 4th and 5th graders who help fellow students safely cross busy streets before and after school. They are trained to watch for a safe gap in traffic when they can cross pedestrians, but do not direct traffic.

Crossing guards must be responsible, reliable, and have their parents' permission. It is a privilege to be on patrol, so setting an example of leadership is necessary!

What are the responsibilities of the Safety Patrol?

Attendance: Students should attend their two scheduled weekly shifts, ready to fulfill their duties. Excused absences are acceptable but two unexcused absences will result in placement on the reserve/substitute list.

Promptness: All students should arrive promptly before 7:30am or 2:25pm (or 1:10pm on Wednesdays!) in order to be assigned a crossing and put on their uniform. Five late arrivals will result in placement on the reserve/substitute list.

Accountability: Students must show focus, attentiveness, and teamwork when on duty. The role of safety patrol is not to be taken lightly, as they are accountable for the safety of students and families alike each and every day.

Duties: The duties assigned to safety patrollers include but are not limited to: safely stopping and crossing people so as to not disrupt car, bus, and bike traffic; being friendly and helpful to pedestrians; placing the crosswalk guide people out before school and returning them after school; and maintaining the organization of the safety patrol closet.

What's the time commitment?

Safety patrol members are assigned for two set days each week. During their assigned duty, rain or shine, morning patrollers meet in the safety patrol room at 7:30am and go to their assigned position from 7:35am until the morning bell at 7:55am. In the afternoon, patrollers leave class 5 minutes before the final bell rings to meet and go to their assigned position from 2:25pm to 2:40pm (or 1:10pm to 1:25 on Wednesdays).

Are there Meetings? Training Sessions?

Trainings occur at each first shift to ensure all students participating are following best Safety Patrol practices. Meetings may be assigned from time to time as celebration or to discuss safety procedures.

What are the benefits of being on Safety Patrol?

This program provides students with pedestrian safety training and an experience in good citizenship, leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and pride.

Students who are interested in joining Safety Patrol should inquire with Mr. Pule (gym) or Mr. Buck (Rm. 103).